Coconut oil is incredibly popular \u2014 and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It offers many health benefits, has a delicate taste, and is widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also an extremely versatile oil with a number of uses you may not be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are 29 clever uses for coconut oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When applied to your skin, coconut oil may protect it from the sun\u2019s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkling and brown spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, one study found that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the sun\u2019s UV rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, keep in mind that it doesn\u2019t provide the same protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks about 90% of UV rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another study estimated that coconut oil has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 7, which is still lower than the minimum recommendation in some countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides. These are fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Controlled studies have shown that MCTs can significantly boost your metabolic rate \u2014 at least temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One study found that 15\u201330 grams of MCTs increased the number of calories burned by an average of 120 over a 24-hour period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturated fats retain their structure when heated to high temperatures, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into toxic compounds when heated. These may have harmful effects on health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, coconut oil is a safer alternative for cooking at high temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon against bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans<\/em>, the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, swishing with coconut oil for 10 minutes \u2014 known as oil pulling \u2014 reduced these bacteria as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In another study, swishing daily with coconut oil significantly reduced inflammation and plaque in teenagers with gingivitis (inflamed gums).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research shows that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin disorders at least as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a study in children with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil noticed major improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by your liver and turned into ketones, which can act as an alternative energy source for your brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several studies have found MCTs to have impressive benefits for brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some researchers recommend using coconut oil as a source of MCTs to increase the production of ketones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commercial mayonnaise often contains soybean oil and added sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it\u2019s easy to make your own mayo with coconut oil or olive oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second recipe on this list uses coconut oil as one of the fats for a healthy homemade mayonnaise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use it on your face as well \u2014 though this isn\u2019t recommended for those with very oily skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can also help repair cracked heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and continue on a nightly basis until your heels are smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help treat infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One test-tube study found that it stopped the growth of the intestinal bacteria Clostridium difficile<\/em>, commonly known as C. diff, which causes severe diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also appears to fight yeasts \u2014 an effect generally attributed to lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, no studies have proven that coconut oil is effective at treating infections when eaten or applied to the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels in some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, its strongest and most consistent effect is an increase in \u201cgood\u201d HDL cholesterol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study in women with abdominal obesity<\/a> found that HDL increased in a group consuming coconut oil, whereas it decreased in those consuming soybean oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Homemade dark chocolate is a delicious way to get coconut oil\u2019s health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, since coconut oil melts at 76\u00b0F (24\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to find a recipe online and get started. To keep things healthy, look for sugar-free ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil may help reduce belly fat \u2014 also known as visceral fat \u2014 which is linked to increased health risks, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, obese men lost 1 inch (2.54 cm) from their waist fat by adding 2 tablespoons (1 ounce or 30 ml) of coconut oil to their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study looked at women on calorie-restricted diets. Those who took 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil per day had a decrease in waist size, while the soybean-oil group noticed a slight increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil can help keep your hair healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study compared the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil, and sunflower oil on hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid \u2014 the main fatty acid in coconut oil \u2014 can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil may help reduce hunger, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a small study, men who followed a high-MCT diet took in fewer calories and lost more weight than men who ate diets with low or medium MCT content .<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study found that rats whose wounds were treated with coconut oil had a reduction in inflammatory markers and increased production of collagen, a major component of skin. As a result, their wounds healed much faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To speed healing of minor cuts or scrapes, apply a little bit of coconut oil directly to the wound and cover it with a bandage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Animal research suggests that the antioxidants in virgin coconut oil may protect bone health by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage bone cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A six-week study of rats showed that the group receiving 8% of their calories from coconut oil had significantly more bone volume and improved bone structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some essential oils may be a natural way to keep bugs away and avoid bites and stings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, combining Thai essential oils with coconut oil provided over 98% protection from the bites of certain mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Candida albicans<\/em> is the fungus responsible for yeast infections, which commonly occur in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the mouth or vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Test-tube studies suggest that coconut oil may help fight candida infections<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers found coconut oil to be as effective as fluconazole, the antifungal medication typically prescribed for candida infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil can be used to get rid of stains, including spills on carpets and furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combine one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix into a paste. Apply to the stain, wait five minutes, and wipe away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several animal studies show that eating coconut oil provides strong anti-inflammatory effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Human studies suggest that eating coconut oil may reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, especially when compared to highly unsaturated oils. However, more research is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While sweat itself has no smell, the bacteria living on your skin can produce undesirable odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil\u2019s strong antibacterial properties make it a great natural deodorant that contains no chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find many easy recipes for deodorants made with coconut oil and other natural ingredients online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids, which are digested differently than the long-chain triglycerides found in most foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These fats go directly from your gut to your liver, where they can be used as a quick source of energy that won\u2019t raise blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil can be used to improve your cuticles, including hangnails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to your cuticles and massage for a few moments. Do this several times a week for best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arthritis is characterized by pain and immobility of the joints due to inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Animal research suggests that antioxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil may be able to relieve some symptoms of arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A study in rats with arthritis found that treatment with polyphenols from coconut oil reduced swelling and several inflammatory markers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there is no evidence that the lower levels of these polyphenols found in coconut oil have the same effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil may help keep your furniture looking shiny and polished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to bringing out the beauty in natural wood, it seems to act as a dust repellent. Plus, it has a pleasant, delicate aroma \u2014 unlike many commercial furniture polishes that contain strong fragrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil is a gentle and effective eye makeup remover. Apply with a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of makeup are gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Animal research has found that the saturated fats in coconut oil can help protect your liver from damage due to alcohol or toxin exposure<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, mice treated with coconut oil after exposure to a toxic compound had a decrease in inflammatory liver markers and increased activity of beneficial liver enzymes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil makes an ideal natural lip balm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It glides on smoothly, leaves your lips moist for hours, and even provides some protection from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commercial salad dressings are often loaded with sugar and preservatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil makes a delicious addition to healthy, homemade salad dressings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut oil offers several health benefits \u2014 but also has many other clever and practical uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to always have plenty of coconut oil on hand. You never know when you might need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/a>5. Relieve Skin Irritation and Eczema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>6. Improve Brain Function<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>7. Make Healthy Mayonnaise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>8. Moisturize Your Skin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>9. May Help Fight Infections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>10. Increase Your \u2018Good\u2019 HDL Cholesterol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>11. Make Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>12. May Reduce Belly Fat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>13. Protect Your Hair From Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>14. Decrease Hunger and Food Intake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>15. Improve Wound Healing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>16. Boost Bone Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>17. Make a Nontoxic Insect Repellent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>18. Combat Candida<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>19. Remove Stains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>20. Reduce Inflammation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>21. Natural Deodorant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>22. Quick Energy Source<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>23. Heal Ragged Cuticles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>24. Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>25. Make Your Wood Furniture Shine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>26. Remove Eye Makeup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>27. Improve Liver Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>28. Soothe Chapped Lips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>29. Make Homemade Salad Dressing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n